U.S. Wins First World Cup Epee Medal

Mar. 21, 2004

Mattern, ranked 69th in the world, gave the United States it's first ever World Cup medal in men's epee.

``I had a fire inside me,'' said Mattern, a 23-year-old part-time fencing coach in Portland, Ore,

Loudly cheered by family and friends, Mattern beat Fabrice Jeannet of France, No. 2 in the world, 15-13 in the quarterfinals and held off a late charge from Marcel Fischer of Switzerland, No. 3 in world, 15-14 in the semifinals. Fischer had beaten Mattern twice this season as well as at last year's world championships.

Mattern lost 15-10 to Alfredo Rota of Italy, ranked fourth in the world, in the final.